Two Roman Catholic priests to be ordained – NationNews Barbados – nationnews.com

Posted on June 30, 2021

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgetown will welcome two young men to the priesthood on Saturday July 3, 2021.

Ordination Mass for Deacon Moses Kabuga Gikandi and Deacon Omaris Valmond is scheduled to take place at 10 a.m. at St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral, Jemmott’s Lane, St Michael.

Bishop Neil Scantlebury is expected to preside over the ceremony to be held less than a month after being ordained the first Barbadian bishop of the Diocese of Bridgetown in the same church.

The priestly ordination of deacons Gikandi and Valmond comes at a time of a general decline in the number of men becoming priests around the world and at a time in the diocese when some priests are reaching retirement age.

Gikandi was born in Kenya on May 12, 1983 and is the youngest of his parents’ seven children. Prior to studying at the Cave Hill and St Augustine campuses of the University of the West Indies, he received his early education at Munanda Primary and Ol’Kalon Secondary Schools in his native country.

Reflecting on his forthcoming ordination, Deacon Gikandi said: “The priesthood is a call to be another Christ to the people of God; a call to give to myself as Christ did; a call to become both priest and victim… I know that the Grace of God will always accompany me. He called me and he will equip me to accomplish what he wants through me.

Valmond is originally from the natural island of Dominica. He and his twin sister Kharra were born eight minutes apart on January 22, 1988. After his family moved to the United States, he studied architecture and business there, but then entered seminary.

Deacon Valmond is full of gratitude.

“I thank God very much for His incredible Grace and Mercy. I thank my parents, for their unconditional love and care; my sister, for her outstanding support in everything – from the womb to the altar. And all of my family for such amazing love, advice and support. I thank all the friends I made along the way. (PR / SAT)

In case you missed it, watch highlights from Bishop Neil Scantlebury’s ordination.